Don't chew, crush or break tablets, pills or capsules unless your GP or another healthcare professional has told you to do so.

You shouldn't chew, crush or break tablets or pills, or open and empty powder out of capsules, unless your GP or another healthcare professional has told you to do so.

Some tablets, pills and capsules don't work properly or may be harmful if they are crushed or opened.

They may need to be swallowed whole because:

they are designed to release medicine slowly into your body over time and crushing them could cause an overdose

your stomach acid could stop them working without their special coating

they could be harmful to the lining of your stomach without their special coating

they may taste unpleasant without their special coating

you could get side effects from inhaling powder from crushed medicines

If you have been advised by your healthcare professional to crush your medicine, they will tell you how to do this and how to take the medicine.

If you have problems swallowing tablets or capsules

If you, your child or someone you are caring for has problems swallowing tablets, pills or capsules, tell your GP or the healthcare professional who is prescribing the medicine. There may be an alternative medicine available, such as a liquid medicine or a tablet that can be dissolved in water.